Thread Tools

I can't claim any insight on Mike Wright, but I'm going to assume that there's room for a rookie behind Wilfork. The problem is, with the number of new 3-4 defenses everybody needs an NT. Babatunde Oshinowo looks like a possibility (especially if you like raw brainpower -- he's finishing up a M.S. in electrical engineering at Stanford.) But I wouldn't be surprised if he's gone by the top of the 3rd.

NOSE TACKLES
What You're Looking For: You want a big, wide body who can take up blockers and allow your linebackers to make plays and blitz up the gut. A guy like Casey Hampton is the ultimate. Not only does he occupy blockers, but he blows up the middle with penetration regularly and forces RBs to change directions. Generally, the most important thing with nose tackles is leverage, so they usually aren't too tall, 6'0-6'2 is the average height for a nose tackle, although there are some exceptions.

1. Gabe Watson - Michigan
Size: 6'4, 335 | College Positions: DT, NT
Big Gabe has underachieved...you have to love his potential. Michigan played mostly out of a 3-4 his junior season and still employed it at times his senior season...

2. Babatunde Oshinowo - Stanford
Size: 6'2, 320 | College Position(s): DT
...Oshinowo has the build for the position...However, getting low and winning the leverage battle is not something he did consistently at the college level...

3. Haloti Ngata - Oregon
Size: 6'5, 345 | College Positions: DT
His height is a problem, but everything else isn't...He's better suited for other defenses, but he also projects fairly well to nose guard.

4. Steve Fifita - Utah
Size: 6'0, 322 | College Positions: DT
Here is a stout guy with a very strong lower body who can really be a pain to block at times. If Fifita is going to succeed...it will likely be with a team that runs the 3-4.